Back to: UP Board Class 12th English Guide and Notes
Table of Contents
Introduction:
‘Women’s Education’ is an excerpt from the novel ‘True Knowledge’ by Dr S Radhakrishnan. As the title suggests, it details on the importance of women’s education in this era.
About the Author:
Dr S Radhakrishnan (1888-1975) was the second president of independent India for the period 1962-67. Famous works of him include ‘Indian Philosophy’, ‘Hindu View of Life’ and ‘Philosophy of Upanishads’.
Theme:
The theme of this piece revolves around the importance of education. Women’s education, in particular, is denoted to be more important as it is crucial for the upliftment of society.
Summary:
State of women’s education:
The lesson begins with how society restrains women despite the ample opportunities that await them. Women’s education is not given importance and is not widespread enough. The author expresses his distress over how education is vital for women as it is worthy of recognition and encouragement.
The kind of education:
The author elaborates on not just any kind of education but that kind that is deep and broad. In addition to skill, purpose too, he feels, is very important. He quotes this from the Gita to assert the same:
“bahusakha hyanantascta”
Characteristics of men and women:
The author also lays down the kind of women the society needs. They ought to possess santih and daya, that is, a sense of calm and compassion. This, he proceeds to state, must in fact be possessed by all human beings in general for they would be mere animals else. Study of greats classics and communion with great minds are two qualities that ought to mould men’s minds. He cites the example of ‘da da da’ from the Upanishads to justify this.
Conclusion:
The author concludes by stating how good women and good mothers are whom would pave the way for a good civilization and, by extension, a good nation. He reiterates how education is not mere acquisition of skills but rather, acquisition of knowledge of the world. He ends by pointing out the role and importance of women in ancient Indian texts and how Gandhi’s revolution post-independence has proved favourable for women.
